If you follow the headlines, you know that child sexual abuse happens. It happens often and it happens close to home, as we have most recently experienced in our own community as a long time elementary teacher was recently indicted on multiple charges. It painfully illustrates the fact that 90% of victims are abused by someone they know and trust. This reality can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that child sexual abuse can be prevented and as a community, we can help.
HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties has for many years worked to address child sexual abuse locally through supporting victims and their families, and educating adults who want to learn more about what they can do to protect children. National organizations such as Darkness to Light and RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) also work to end child sexual abuse by helping victims, informing the public, and mobilizing communities. There are ways for all of us to Join the Movement ©
- Get informed. Go to d2l.org or www.RAINN.org to get educated about child sexual abuse
- Learn about The 5 Steps to create safer environments for children from Darkness to Light.
- Get involved by attending a training to learn practical tools to help protect children. See a schedule of trainings below. Call Nancy at 740.363.1835 for more information or email violenceprevention@helplinedelmor.org and ask about Stewards of Children. Go to d2l.org to take it online.
- Mobilize your community by sponsoring a Stewards of Children training in your neighborhood, workplace, faith-based organization, or youth serving agency.
- If you or someone you know, needs help, HelpLine offers a free, 24-hour information, referral and crisis line at 740.369.3316 (Delaware); 419.947.2520 (Morrow).
What is Stewards of Children?
One way to prevent this crime is to empower adults to recognize and react responsibly to possible child sexual abuse. To do this, HelpLine offers Darkness to Light’s – Stewards of Children presentation. Designed for adults who serve youth, parents/guardians and any other concerned, interested community members, the presentation ensures that adults have the best information.
Consider attending a FREE upcoming community presentation:
- Tuesday, April 14th 6-8:15p
- Saturday, April 18th 1-3:15p
- Wednesday, May 6th 6-8:15
- Saturday, May 16th 1-3:15p
- Tuesday, June 9th 6-8:15p
- Saturday, June 13th 1-3:15p
Registration is required and details such as location are shared at that time. To register, email violenceprevention@helplindelmor.org or by phone 740-363-1835 ext 109. For more information visit https://helplinedelmor.org/stewardsofchildren. Although the above trainings are being held in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, if you would like to have a Stewards of Children presentation for your group or agency, please feel free to contact us to discuss.
“We find in many cases of child sexual abuse a perpetrator typically doesn’t act only once and we may hear of more cases. Even if we don’t hear of more cases, we understand that this issue is a complex one, that causes big ripples in our community, and many people may be affected by this. We want everyone in our community to know we have support and resources available whether they are involved in the present crisis or if the abuse happened years ago. A child should never be held responsible for an adult’s inappropriate actions.” says Sue Hanson, HelpLine’s Executive Director. “We want adults to move beyond simple Stranger Danger” approaches to keeping children safe, as a very high percentage of sexual abuse survivors know their perpetrator and it’s not a random stranger. This presentation gives anyone who is in contact with a child or children, practical tools to prevent child sexual abuse and respond appropriately to keep ALL kids in their lives safe.”
Stewards of Children is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention presentation founded in response to staggering statistics: 1 in 10 children experience some form of sexually abuse before the age of 18. Join us in changing these statistics in our communities!
HelpLine is a contract provider of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and partially funded by the Council for Older Adults. A United Way Agency, HelpLine is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, National Alliance of Information & Referral Systems and certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information, please visit: www.HelpLinedelmor.org.
